The role of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Australia in enhancing career capital, professional and lifelong learning

This paper explores individuals’ motivations and goals for undertaking a Doctor in Business Administration (DBA) and the skills, competencies and reflective practices developed during the Australian DBA course of study by the candidates. Twenty-seven current DBA alumni and candidates from four Australian universities participated in the research. Candidates were in different stages of the DBA program and represented different genders, age ranges and business disciplines. Findings suggest the DBA acts as not only as a pathway to career enhancement but is an important element of professional development and identity, personal fulfilment and lifelong learning. The research also establishes that human, social and career capital exert an influence on the participants’ lifelong learning trajectories.